The Institution of Christian Religion

So far is it of therefore that these sayings should be to the dishonour of the law, that they much avail to the more glorious commendations of God's bounty. For truly it hereby appeareth that we are hindered by our own wickedness, and perverseness, that we enjoy not the blessedness of life set openly abroad for us by the law. Whereby the grace of God that helpeth us without the succour of the law, is made so much the sweeter, and the mercy more lovely that giveth it unto us, whereby we learn that he is never wearied with often doing us good and heaping new gifts upon us.

So farre is it of therefore that these sayinges shoulde be to the dishonoure of the lawe, that they muche auaile to the more glorious commendations of Godes bountie. For truely it herby appeareth that we are hindered by oure owne wickednesse, and peruersenesse, that we enioye not the blessednesse of life set openly abroade for vs by the lawe. Wherby the grace of God that helpeth vs without ye succoure of ye lawe, is made so much the sweter, and the mercie more louely that geueth it vnto vs, whereby we learne that hee is neuer wearied with often doinge vs good and heapinge newe giftes vpon vs.

And whereas the iniquity and condemnation of us all is sealed by ⟨image 121⟩§8the testimony of the law, it is not done for this purpose (if at least we well profit in it) to make us fall down with despair, or with discouraged minds to tumble down headlong. In deed the reprobate are amazed after that manner, butte that is by reason of their obstinacy, but with the children of God, there behoveth to be an other end of instruction. I grant,¹ the Apostle testifieth that we are all condemned by judgement of the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and that all the world may become bound unto God: but yet the same Apostle in an other place teacheth,²